THE new role of hate crime trainer and engagement coordinator is a pilot project funded by the police and crime commissioner’s office, delivered by the victim care service covering Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

The new trainer, Helal Ali, based in the victims support centre, Chandlers Ford, comes as a significant rise in hate crimes has been reported.

Helal said: “As you know throughout EU referendum, Brexit, coronavirus there has been a significant spike in hate crime and we very well know of the devastating, long lasting impact it has on victims, family members, communities and the wider society.

“Our business community plays a huge part in delivering a great service and meeting our basic everyday needs. A recent report by government committee have found that violence and abuse towards business community is escalating and more support services are needed to prevent such harm.

“My role will include building positive relationship with our businesses diverse communities raising awareness around hate crime, impact of hate crime and how we could work in partnership in tackling hate crime.

“We have seen cases of hate incidents targeted at people in their workplaces and often people don’t get the support they are entitled to. Not all hate crime incidents are reported to the police, this could be because of the lack of trust in authorities.”

For more information contact Helal by emailing helal.ali@victimsupport.org.uk